Jacoba Maria van Bueren gezegd van Regteren (1718-91), Wife of Johan Willem Parker 1746

Editor: Here we have a portrait of Jacoba Maria van Bueren, wife of Johan Willem Parker, painted in 1746. Looking at her pose and the almost severe expression, there’s a certain formality that feels quite reserved. What strikes you about this piece? Curator: It's interesting you mention "reserved." To me, it whispers of hidden stories. That steely gaze, it’s almost daring you to underestimate her. Think of it, dear student: this was painted in the Rococo period – all powdered wigs and frilly nonsense, yet here she stands, almost defying the fluff. I wonder if she had opinions others might not have agreed with... Don't you sense a certain defiance? Editor: That's a great perspective! I hadn't considered that defiance might be subtlely coded into it. Her clothing almost seemed to reinforce a set position, now you've got me wondering if her very look subverts the artistic codes of the day. Curator: Exactly! It is a dance of contradictions. Look at the backdrop, a classical garden, neat and ordered, against which this seemingly proper Dutch wife might just be a free spirit. That sliver of a crown? Almost tongue-in-cheek. Imagine the artist catching her 'unawares'...it tickles me to imagine the stories this could reveal! Editor: That really opens the portrait up! Seeing it now less as a straightforward depiction and more like a character study, teasing with hidden depths. Curator: Art is always a dialogue, dear editor, even across centuries. I learn as much from your fresh perspective as you hopefully do from my dusty old one!